SEC Says No To Advance Payment Under ‘Ladki Bahin’ Scheme
In its order, the SEC said that regular benefits under this scheme can be disbursed; however, advance payments cannot be made, and new beneficiaries cannot be selected.
Mumbai: In a setback to the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, the State Election Commission on Monday prohibited the advance payment of the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme, citing the enforcement of the model code of conduct for municipal elections.
In its order, the SEC said that regular benefits under this scheme can be disbursed; however, advance payments cannot be made, and new beneficiaries cannot be selected.
The controversy erupted after state minister Gitish Mahajan announced eligible beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin scheme will receive a combined transfer of ₹3,000 for December and January in their bank accounts before Makar Sankranti, which falls on January 14. He termed it a ‘special gift’ from CM Devendra Fadnavis, who also defended the move saying the Ladki Bahin Yojana was a continuous scheme of the state government and did not fall under the restrictions of the election code of conduct.
The Congress strongly objected to the move as party leader and advocate Sandesh Kondvilkar submitted a complaint to the SEC claiming the payment was proposed for January 14, a day before polling, and sought the poll body’s intervention to stop the transfer.
Congress leader Sachin Sawant slammed the Mahayuti government, claiming the ruling party leaders were ‘selfish brothers’ who expect votes as a ‘return gift’ from the women beneficiaries. “These selfish brothers have no emotion. They stopped the instalment for two months and disbursed the amount during the election campaign. They seek something in return. The sisters should show these selfish brothers their place as they expect a return gift in the form of votes,” he said.
The SEC had sought clarification from state Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal regarding the government’s decision concerning the Ladki Bahin scheme.
The Chief Secretary stated that, according to the guidelines issued by the SEC, development works and schemes that have actually started before the announcement of the elections are permitted to continue during the period of the code of conduct.
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is a flagship scheme of the state government under which eligible women beneficiaries get a monthly assistance of ₹1,500. The scheme is widely credited with helping the Mahayuti secure victory in the 2024 State Assembly elections.
BMC to use PADU machines
Amidst the allegations of EVM irregularities, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to use 140 PADU machines (Printing Auxiliary Display Unit), which will act as a back up, if there is a technical problem while counting votes.
As per instructions of the State Election Commission, voting units must be connected to the main control unit during the counting of votes.
In a statement, BMC said, “M3A voting machines of M/s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, will be used in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation general elections. When counting the votes recorded by this voting machine, it is necessary to connect the ballot unit to the control unit.”
BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said, “These PADU units are acting as a backup. In case of any emergency situation or technical error in connecting the voting Units to the control unit, PADU will be used as a backup unit. We have received 140 such units."
